Voltage regulated ac power supply systems and methods

ABSTRACT

A power supply system for generating an output power signal comprises a primary regulation system, a secondary regulation system, and a controller. The primary regulation system comprises a primary transformer and a primary tap switch array configured to regulate a base power signal from the primary transformer such that the output power signal is regulated within a first voltage range. The secondary regulation system comprising a secondary transformer. The controller is configured to apply an adjustment power signal to the secondary transformer to regulate the output power signal within a second voltage range. The second voltage range is smaller than the first voltage range.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application (Attorney's Ref. No. P219872) is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/036,725, currently pending.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/036,725 claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/532,896 filed Jul. 14, 2017, now expired.

The contents of the related application listed above are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to power supply systems and methods for regulating AC voltages and, more specifically, to high efficiency power supply systems and methods with active voltage regulation.

BACKGROUND

Electrical power supply systems are used to provide power from a source of electrical power such as an electric utility, generator, solar power system or the like to a load. The electrical power supply system may be configured to perform functions such as disconnecting the load from the source of electrical power under certain conditions, regulating the power signal supplied to the load, converting direct current (DC) signals to alternating current (AC) signals, converting AC signals to DC signals, and combining power signals from different sources of electrical power. To conserve energy, electrical power supply systems should be configured to reduce losses when providing power from the source to the load.

The need exists for improved electrical power supply systems for providing power from a source to a load.

SUMMARY

The present invention may be embodied as a power supply system for generating an output power signal comprises a primary regulation system, a secondary regulation system, and a controller. The primary regulation system comprises a primary transformer and a primary tap switch array configured to regulate a base power signal from the primary transformer such that the output power signal is regulated within a first voltage range. The secondary regulation system comprising a secondary transformer. The controller is configured to apply an adjustment power signal to the secondary transformer to regulate the output power signal within a second voltage range. The second voltage range is smaller than the first voltage range.

The present invention may also be embodied as a method of generating an output power signal comprising the following steps. A primary regulation system comprising a primary transformer and a primary tap switch array is provided. The primary regulation system is configured to regulate a base power signal from the primary transformer such that the output power signal is regulated within a first voltage range. A secondary regulation system comprising a secondary transformer is provided. An adjustment power signal is provided to the secondary transformer to regulate the output power signal within a second voltage range, where the second voltage range is smaller than the first voltage range.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a first example power supply system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second example power supply system of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a third example power supply system of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fourth example power supply system of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fifth example power supply system of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a sixth example power supply system of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a seventh example power supply system of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an eighth example power supply system of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention may be embodied in different forms. Several different examples of embodiments of the present invention will be discussed separately below.

I. First Example Embodiment

Referring initially to FIG. 1 of the drawing, depicted therein is a first example power supply system 20 constructed in accordance with, and embodying, the principles of the present invention. The example power supply system 20 defines an input 22 and an output 24. The example power supply system 20 accepts an input AC power signal at the input 22 and supplies an output AC power signal at the output 24.

The first example power supply system 20 comprises a primary regulation system 30, a secondary regulation system 32, and a controller 34. The example primary regulation system 30 comprises a primary transformer 40 and a tap switch array 42. The example secondary regulation system 32 comprises a secondary transformer 50 and an adjustment power signal generator 52. The first example power supply system 20 is further configured to operate in a standby mode in which the output AC power signal is generated based on a standby power system 60. The standby power system 60 may be operatively connected to a standby power source (not shown) such as a battery, a generator, or a solar panel array and possibly an inverter (not shown).

The primary regulation system 30 is configured to regulate a voltage of the output AC power signal within a first voltage range. In particular, the controller 34 controls the tap switch array 42 based on the output AC power signal to connect the input 22 to the primary transformer 40 such that a base AC power signal output from the primary regulation system 30 is maintained within the first range. The secondary regulation system 32 is configured to regulate the voltage of the output AC power signal within a second voltage range. In particular, the controller 34 controls the adjustment power signal generator 52 based on the output AC power signal, and the secondary transformer 50 combines (e.g., sums) an adjustment AC power signal generated by the adjustment power signal generator 52 to the output of the primary transformer 40 such that the output AC power signal is maintained within the second range. The second voltage range is smaller than the first voltage range.

More specifically, the controller 34 senses voltage and/or current representative of the input AC power signal and controls the tap switch array 42 as necessary to accommodate the AC output power signal. For example, if the controller 34 determines that a sensed voltage indicates that a voltage of the AC output power signal is not within a predetermined first desired voltage range (e.g., 80-90 VAC), the controller 34 operates the tap switch array 42 such that the primary transformer 40 increases the voltage of the AC output power signal such that the AC output power signal is within the predetermined first desired voltage range.

The controller 34 further senses one or more voltages and/or currents associated with the output AC power signal and controls the adjustment power signal generator 52 to generate the adjustment power signal such that the combination of the adjustment power signal and the output of the main transformer 40 yields an output AC power signal within a predetermined second desired voltage range or level. For example, if the primary transformer 40 is configured to supply a primary transformer output voltage of approximately 85 VAC (example predetermined desired voltage level) and the actual primary transformer output voltage droops to 84 VAC, the controller 34 will control the adjustment power signal generator 52 to generate the adjustment power signal such that the adjustment power signal, in combination with the primary transformer output voltage, yields an actual output AC voltage signal that is at or near 85 VAC.

Typically, the controller 34 will include a digital microprocessor, analog-to-digital converters, memory, and associated circuitry. The microprocessor runs software capable of generating control signals (e.g., pulse-width modulate signals) for controlling the operation of the adjustment power signal generator 52 based on sense signals associated with at least a voltage of the output AC power signal. The details of the controller 34, the sense signals, the control signals, and the software running on the controller 34 are or may be conventional and will not be described herein in further detail.

II. Second Example Embodiment

FIG. 2 of the drawing illustrates a second example power supply system 120 comprising a primary regulation system 130, a secondary regulation system 132, and a controller (not shown). The controller of the third example power supply system 120 is or may be the same as the controller 34 described above and will not be described herein in further detail.

FIG. 2 illustrates that the second example power supply system 120 defines input terminals 122 a and 122 b and output terminals 124 a and 124 b. The example power supply system 120 accepts an input AC power signal across the input terminals 122 a and 122 b and supplies an output AC power signal across the output terminals 124 a and 124 b. The second example power supply system 120 further comprises optional standby input terminals 126 a and 126 b.

The example primary regulation system 130 comprises a primary transformer 140 and a tap switch array 142. The example primary transformer 140 is a linear transformer. The example secondary regulation system 132 comprises a secondary transformer 150 and a regulating inverter 152. The secondary transformer 150 is a linear transformer arranged in series with the main transformer 140. The regulating inverter 152 generates an adjustment power signal, and the secondary transformer 150 combines the adjustment power signal with the output of the primary transformer 140 to obtain the output AC power signal. The example regulating inverter 152 comprises a DC/AC converter 160 and an AC/DC converter 162.

The second example power supply system 120 may be embodied as or form a part of an uninterruptible power supply. When configured as an uninterruptible power supply, the second example power supply system 120 further optionally comprises a standby power system 164 that is operatively connected to the primary transformer 140. The standby power system 164 may comprise one or more of a battery and inverter, a generator, a solar power system, and the like. Should the input AC power signal be absent or outside of a predetermined operating range, the input terminals 122 a and 122 b may be disconnected from the primary transformer 140, and the output power AC signal may be generated based on a standby AC power signal generated by the standby power supply system 164.

The second example power supply system 120 thus regulates the voltage of the input AC power signal such that the output AC power signal is within predefined parameters. The second example power supply system 120 may be configured to use high efficiency linear transformers as the primary transformer 140 and the secondary transformer 150. The second example power supply system 120 thus can be configured to provide a regulated output AC regional power signal at efficiencies of approximately 95-98 percent.

In particular, the primary regulation system 130 is configured to regulate a voltage of the output AC power signal within a first voltage range. The secondary regulation system 132 is configured to regulate the voltage of the output AC power signal within a second voltage range. The second voltage range is smaller than the first voltage range. If the second example power supply system 120 is configured to provide power in the context of a broadband communications system, the output AC voltage power signal should not exceed 90 volts. The primary regulation system 130 thus allows the second example power supply 120 to adapt at a slow rate (e.g., twice a day) to relatively large voltage fluctuations (e.g., ±5 volts). The secondary regulation system 132, on the other hand, allows the second example power supply system 120 to regulate the output AC voltage, within certain parameters, to accommodate small voltage fluctuations (e.g., ±2 volts) of the input AC power signal at high frequency or substantially in real time. In the second example power supply system 120, the example first voltage range is approximately ±5 volts, and the example second voltage range is approximately ±2 volts. These ranges are provided by way of example only and may vary based on the requirements of a particular power supply environment.

The example primary transformer 140 comprises primary input windings 170, output windings 172, a shunt 174, and, optionally, secondary input windings 176. The primary input windings are arranged on a first side 178 a of the shunt 174, while the output windings 172 and optional secondary input windings 176 are arranged on a second side 178 b of the shunt 174. The example primary input windings 170 define primary input winding first and second end taps 170 a and 170 b and primary input winding first and second intermediate taps 170 c and 170 d. The example output windings 172 define output winding first and second end taps 172 a and 172 b. The example optional secondary windings 176 define secondary winding first and second end taps 172 a and 172 b. If used, the first and second end taps 172 a and 172 b are connected to the standby input terminals 126 a and 126 b.

The example tap switch array 142 comprises a first switch 180, a second switch 182, and a third switch 184. The example switches 180, 182, and 184 are single-pull double-through (SPDT) switches that can be controlled by the controller, operated manually, or both controlled by the controller and operated manually. The first switch 180 defines a first switch main terminal 180 a, a first switch first contact terminal 180 b, and a first switch second contact terminal 180 c. The second switch 182 defines a second switch main terminal 182 a, a second switch first contact terminal 182 b, and a second switch second contact terminal 182 c. The third switch 184 defines a third switch main terminal 184 a, a third switch first contact terminal 184 b, and a third switch second contact terminal 184 c. The example secondary transformer 150 comprises first windings 190 and second windings 192. The example first windings 190 define first winding first and second end taps 190 a and 190 b. The example second windings 192 define second winding first and second end taps 192 a and 192 b.

The example DC/AC converter 160 comprises MOSFETs Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4, an inductor L, and an output capacitor C1. The example AC/DC converter 162 comprises diodes D1, D2, D3, and D4 configured as a rectifier and rectifier capacitor C2. The DC/AC converter 160 defines first and second inverter terminals 152 a and 152 b. The example DC/AC converter 160 and the example AC/DC converter 162 operate as a full-bridge rectifier/converter that is or may be conventional and thus will not be described herein in detail. An optional filter capacitor F may be arranged to filter the output of the converter 160; in FIG. 2, the filter capacitor F is connected between the first end terminal 192 a of the second winding 192 of the secondary transformer 150 and the first inverter output terminal 152 a.

The first switch main terminal 180 a is connected to the first primary input terminal 122 a. The first switch first contact terminal 180 b is not connected to any other terminal, allowing the first switch to disconnect the power system from the input. The first switch second contact terminal 180 c is connected to the second switch main terminal 182 a. The second switch first contact terminal 182 b is connected to the primary winding first end tap 170 a. The second switch second contact terminal 182 c is connected to the primary winding first intermediate tap 170 c. The third switch main terminal 184 a is connected to the second primary input terminal 122 b. The third switch first contact terminal 184 b is connected to the primary winding second intermediate tap 170 d. The third switch second contact terminal 184 c is connected to the primary winding second end tap 170 b. The output winding first end tap 172 a is connected to the first winding first end tap 190 a. The output winding second end tap 172 b is connected to the second output terminal 124 b. The first winding second end tap 190 b is connected to the first output terminal 124 a. The second winding first end tap 192 a is connected to one end of the inverter capacitor C1. The second winding first and second end terminals 192 a and 192 b are connected to the first and second inverter output terminals 152 a and 152 b.

The AC/DC converter 162 formed by the rectifier diodes D1-D4 and rectifier capacitor C2 is connected across the output terminals 124 a and 124 b such that a DC signal is present at the DC/AC converter 160. The switches formed by the MOSFETS Q1-Q4 are controlled (e.g., pulse-width modulated) based on the voltage of the output AC power signal or a voltage indicative of or proportional to the output AC power signal to generate the regulated power signal across the inverter output terminals 152 a and 152 b. The regulated power signal is applied across the second windings 192 of the secondary transformer 150 and are thus added to the adjustment AC power signal across the output winding first and second end terminals 172 a and 172 b. The sum of the voltage of the adjustment AC power signal and base AC power signal generated by the primary regulation system 130 (e.g., across the output winding first and second end terminals 172 a and 172 b) is thus controlled to be within a predetermined range centered about a target output AC power signal voltage level.

When configured as an uninterruptible power supply, the standby input terminals 126 a and 126 b of the second example power supply system 120 may be connected to the standby power system 164 such that the standby power system 164 is operatively connected to the primary transformer 140. Should the example power system 120 not form a part of an uninterruptible power supply, the second input windings 176 and standby input terminals 126 a and 126 b may be omitted.

The second example power supply system 120 thus regulates the voltage of the input AC power signal such that the output AC power signal is within predefined parameters. The second example power supply system 120 may be configured to use high efficiency linear transformers as the primary transformer 140 and the secondary transformer 150. The second example power supply system 120 thus can be configured to provide a regulated output AC power signal at efficiencies of between 95-98 percent. In the second example power supply system 120, the inductor L is external to the secondary transformer 150.

III. Third Example Embodiment

FIG. 3 of the drawing illustrates a third example power supply system 220 comprising a primary regulation system 230, a secondary regulation system 232, and a controller (not shown). The controller of the third example power supply system 220 is or may be the same as the controller 34 described above and will not be described herein in further detail.

FIG. 3 illustrates that the third example power supply system 220 defines input terminals 222 a and 222 b and output terminals 224 a and 224 b. The example power supply system 220 accepts an input AC power signal across the input terminals 222 a and 222 b and supplies an output AC power signal across the output terminals 224 a and 224 b. The third example power supply system 220 further comprises optional standby input terminals 226 a and 226 b.

The third example primary regulation system 230 comprises a primary transformer 240 and a tap switch array 242. The example primary transformer 240 is a linear transformer. The example secondary regulation system 232 comprises a secondary transformer 250 and a regulating inverter 252. The secondary transformer 250 is a linear transformer arranged in series with the primary transformer 240. The regulating inverter 252 generates an adjustment power signal, and the secondary transformer 250 combines the adjustment power signal with the output of the primary transformer 240 to obtain the output AC power signal. The example regulating inverter 252 comprises a DC/AC converter 260 and an AC/DC converter 262.

The third example power supply system 220 may be embodied as or form a part of an uninterruptible power supply. When configured as an uninterruptible power supply, the third example power supply system 220 further optionally comprises a standby power system 264 that is operatively connected to the primary transformer 240. The standby power system 264 may comprise one or more of a battery and inverter, a generator, a solar power system, and the like. Should the input AC power signal be absent or outside of a predetermined operating range, the inputs 222 a and 222 b may be disconnected from the primary transformer 240, and the output power AC signal may be generated based on a standby AC power signal generated by the standby power supply system 264.

The third example power supply system 220 thus regulates the voltage of the input AC power signal such that the output AC power signal is within predefined parameters. The third example power supply system 220 may be configured to use high efficiency linear transformers as the primary transformer 240 and the secondary transformer 250. The third example power supply system 220 thus can be configured to provide a regulated output AC regional power signal at efficiencies of approximately 95-98 percent.

In particular, the primary regulation system 230 is configured to regulate a voltage of the output AC power signal within a first voltage range. The secondary regulation system 232 is configured to regulate the voltage of the output AC power signal within a second voltage range. The second voltage range is smaller than the first voltage range. If the third example power supply system 220 is configured to provide power in the context of a broadband communications system, the output AC voltage power signal should not exceed 90 volts. The primary regulation system 230 thus allows the third example power supply 220 to adapt at a slow rate (e.g., twice a day) to relatively large voltage fluctuations (e.g., ±5 volts). The secondary regulation system 232, on the other hand, allows the third example power supply system 220 to regulate the output AC voltage, within certain parameters, to accommodate small voltage fluctuations (e.g., ±2 volts) of the input AC power signal at high frequency or substantially in real time. In the third example power supply system 220, the example first voltage range is approximately ±5 volts, and the example second voltage range is approximately ±2 volts. These ranges are provided by way of example only and may vary based on the requirements of a particular power supply environment.

The example primary transformer 240 comprises primary input windings 270, output windings 272, a shunt 274, and, optionally, secondary input windings 276. The primary input windings are arranged on a first side 278 a of the shunt 274, while the output windings 272 and optional secondary input windings 276 are arranged on a second side 278 b of the shunt 274. The example primary input windings 270 define primary input winding first and second end taps 270 a and 270 b and primary input winding first and second intermediate taps 270 c and 270 d. The example output windings 272 define output winding first and second end taps 272 a and 272 b. The example optional secondary windings 276 define secondary winding first and second end taps 276 a and 276 b. If used, the first and second end taps 276 a and 276 b are connected to the standby input terminals 226 a and 226 b.

The example tap switch array 242 comprises a first switch 280, a second switch 282, and a third switch 284. The example switches 280, 282, and 284 are single-pull double-through (SPDT) switches that can be controlled by the controller, operated manually, or both controlled by the controller and operated manually. The first switch 280 defines a first switch main terminal 280 a, a first switch first contact terminal 280 b, and a first switch second contact terminal 280 c. The second switch 282 defines a second switch main terminal 282 a, a second switch first contact terminal 282 b, and a second switch second contact terminal 282 c. The third switch 284 defines a third switch main terminal 284 a, a third switch first contact terminal 284 b, and a third switch second contact terminal 284 c. The example secondary transformer 250 comprises first windings 290 and second windings 292. The example first windings 290 define first winding first and second end taps 290 a and 290 b. The example second windings 292 define second winding first and second end taps 292 a and 292 b.

The example DC/AC converter 260 comprises MOSFETs Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4, an inductor L, and an output capacitor C1. In the third example power supply 220, the inductor L is integrally formed with the secondary transformer 250. The example AC/DC converter 262 comprises diodes D1, D2, D3, and D4 configured as a rectifier and rectifier capacitor C2. The DC/AC converter 260 defines first and second inverter terminals 252 a and 252 b. The example DC/AC converter 260 and the example AC/DC converter 262 operate as a full-bridge rectifier/converter that is or may be conventional and thus will not be described herein in detail. An optional filter capacitor F may be arranged to filter the output of the converter 260; in FIG. 3, the filter capacitor F is connected between the first end terminal 292 a of the second winding 292 of the secondary transformer 250 and the first inverter output terminal 252 a.

The first switch main terminal 280 a is connected to the first primary input terminal 222 a. The first switch first contact terminal 280 b is not connected to any other terminal, allowing the first switch to disconnect the power system from the input. The first switch second contact terminal 280 c is connected to the second switch main terminal 282 a. The second switch first contact terminal 282 b is connected to the primary winding first end tap 270 a. The second switch second contact terminal 282 c is connected to the primary winding first intermediate tap 270 c. The third switch main terminal 284 a is connected to the second primary input terminal 222 b. The third switch first contact terminal 284 b is connected to the primary winding second intermediate tap 270 d. The third switch second contact terminal 284 c is connected to the primary winding second end tap 270 b. The output winding first end tap 272 a is connected to the first winding first end tap 290 a. The output winding second end tap 272 b is connected to the second output terminal 224 b. The first winding second end tap 290 b is connected, through the inductor L, to one side of the inverter capacitor C1 and to the first output terminal 224 a. The second winding first end tap 292 a is connected to inverter outputs 252 a and 252 b. The second winding first and second end terminals 292 a and 292 b are connected to the first and second inverter output terminals 252 a and 252 b.

The AC/DC converter 262 formed by the rectifier diodes D1-D4 and rectifier capacitor C2 is connected across the output terminals 224 a and 224 b such that a DC signal is present at the DC/AC converter 260. The switches formed by the MOSFETS Q1-Q4 are controlled (e.g., pulse-width modulated) based on the voltage of the output AC power signal or a voltage indicative of or proportional to the output AC power signal to generate the regulated power signal across the inverter output terminals 252 a and 252 b. The regulated power signal is applied across the second windings 292 of the secondary transformer 250 and are thus added to the adjustment AC power signal across the output winding first and second end terminals 272 a and 272 b. The sum of the voltage of the adjustment AC power signal and base AC power signal generated by the primary regulation system 230 (e.g., across the output winding first and second end terminals 272 a and 272 b) is thus controlled to be within a predetermined range centered about a target output AC power signal voltage level.

When configured as an uninterruptible power supply, the standby input terminals 226 a and 226 b of the third example power supply system 220 may be connected to the standby power system 264 such that the standby power system 264 is operatively connected to the primary transformer 240. Should the example power system 220 not form a part of an uninterruptible power supply, the second input windings 276 and standby input terminals 226 a and 226 b may be omitted.

The third example power supply system 220 thus regulates the voltage of the input AC power signal such that the output AC power signal is within predefined parameters. The third example power supply system 220 may be configured to use high efficiency linear transformers as the primary transformer 240 and the secondary transformer 250. The third example power supply system 220 thus can be configured to provide a regulated output AC power signal at efficiencies of between 95-98 percent. In the third example power supply system 220, the inductor L is integrated into the secondary transformer 250.

IV. Fourth Example Embodiment

FIG. 4 of the drawing illustrates a fourth example power supply system 320 comprising a primary regulation system 330, a secondary regulation system 332, and a controller (not shown). The controller of the fourth example power supply system 320 may be implemented in a manner similar to that of the controller 34 described above and will not be described herein in further detail.

FIG. 4 illustrates that the fourth example power supply system 320 defines input terminals 322 a and 322 b and output terminals 324 a and 324 b. The example power supply system 320 accepts an input AC power signal across the input terminals 322 a and 322 b and supplies an output AC power signal across the output terminals 324 a and 324 b. The fourth example power supply system 320 further comprises optional standby input terminals 326 a and 326 b.

The example primary regulation system 330 comprises a primary transformer 340 and a tap switch array 342. The example primary transformer 340 is a linear transformer. The example secondary regulation system 332 comprises a secondary transformer 350 and a regulating inverter 352. The secondary transformer 350 is a linear transformer arranged in series with the primary transformer 340. The regulating inverter 352 generates an adjustment power signal, and the secondary transformer 350 combines the adjustment power signal with the output of the primary transformer 340 to obtain the output AC power signal. The example regulating inverter 352 comprises a DC/AC converter 360 and an AC/DC converter 362.

The fourth example power supply system 320 may be embodied as or form a part of an uninterruptible power supply. When configured as an uninterruptible power supply, the fourth example power supply system 320 further optionally comprises a standby power system 364 that is operatively connected to the primary transformer 340. The standby power system 364 may comprise one or more of a battery and inverter, a generator, a solar power system, and the like. Should the input AC power signal be absent or outside of a predetermined operating range, the input terminals 322 a and 322 b may be disconnected from the primary transformer 340, and the output power AC signal may be generated based on a standby AC power signal generated by the standby power supply system 364.

The fourth example power supply system 320 thus regulates the voltage of the input AC power signal such that the output AC power signal is within predefined parameters. The fourth example power supply system 320 may be configured to use high efficiency linear transformers as the primary transformer 340 and the secondary transformer 350. The fourth example power supply system 320 thus can be configured to provide a regulated output AC regional power signal at efficiencies of approximately 95-98 percent.

In particular, the primary regulation system 330 is configured to regulate a voltage of the output AC power signal within a first voltage range. The secondary regulation system 332 is configured to regulate the voltage of the output AC power signal within a second voltage range. The second voltage range is smaller than the first voltage range. If the fourth example power supply system 320 is configured to provide power in the context of a broadband communications system, the output AC voltage power signal should not exceed 90 volts. The primary regulation system 330 thus allows the fourth example power supply 320 adapt at a slow rate (e.g., twice a day) to relatively large voltage fluctuations (e.g., ±5 volts). The secondary regulation system 332, on the other hand, allows the fourth example power supply system 320 to regulate the output AC voltage, within certain parameters, to accommodate small voltage fluctuations (e.g., ±2 volts) of the input AC power signal at high frequency or substantially in real time. In the fourth example power supply system 320, the example first voltage range is approximately ±5 volts, and the example second voltage range is approximately ±3 volts. These ranges are provided by way of example only and may vary based on the requirements of a particular power supply environment.

The example primary transformer 340 comprises primary input windings 370, output windings 372, a shunt 374, and, optionally, secondary input windings 376. The primary input windings 370 are arranged on a first side 378 a of the shunt 374, while the output windings 372 and optional secondary input windings 376 are arranged on a second side 378 b of the shunt 374. The example primary input windings 370 define primary input winding first and second end taps 370 a and 370 b and primary input winding first and second intermediate taps 370 c and 370 d. The example output windings 372 define output winding first and second end taps 372 a and 372 b. The example optional secondary windings 376 define secondary winding first and second end taps 376 a and 376 b. If used, the first and second end taps 376 a and 376 b are connected to the standby input terminals 326 a and 326 b.

The example tap switch array 342 comprises a first switch 380, a second switch 382, and a third switch 384. The example switches 380, 382, and 384 are single-pull double-through (SPDT) switches that can be controlled by the controller, operated manually, or both controlled by the controller and operated manually. The first switch 380 defines a first switch main terminal 380 a, a first switch first contact terminal 380 b, and a first switch second contact terminal 380 c. The second switch 382 defines a second switch main terminal 382 a, a second switch first contact terminal 382 b, and a second switch second contact terminal 382 c. The third switch 384 defines a third switch main terminal 384 a, a third switch first contact terminal 384 b, and a third switch second contact terminal 384 c. The example secondary transformer 350 comprises first windings 390 and second windings 392. The example first windings 390 define first winding first and second end taps 390 a and 390 b. The example second windings 392 define second winding first and second end taps 392 a and 392 b.

The example DC/AC converter 360 comprises MOSFETs Q1 and Q2, an inductor L, and an output capacitor C1. In the fourth example power supply 320, the inductor L is external to the secondary transformer 350. The example AC/DC converter 362 comprises diodes D1 and D2 and a rectifier capacitors C2 and C3 configured as a rectifier. The DC/AC converter 360 defines first and second inverter terminals 352 a and 352 b. The example DC/AC converter 360 and the example AC/DC converter 362 operate as a half-bridge rectifier/converter that is or may be conventional and thus will not be described herein in detail. An optional filter capacitor F may be arranged to filter the output of the converter 360; in FIG. 4, the filter capacitor F is connected between the first end terminal 392 a of the second winding 392 of the secondary transformer 350 and the first inverter output terminal 352 a.

The first switch main terminal 380 a is connected to the first primary input terminal 322 a. The first switch first contact terminal 380 b is not connected to any other terminal, allowing the first switch to disconnect the power system from the input. The first switch second contact terminal 380 c is connected to the second switch main terminal 382 a. The second switch first contact terminal 382 b is connected to the primary winding first end tap 370 a. The second switch second contact terminal 382 c is connected to the primary winding first intermediate tap 370 c. The third switch main terminal 384 a is connected to the second primary input terminal 322 b. The third switch first contact terminal 384 b is connected to the primary winding second intermediate tap 370 d. The third switch second contact terminal 384 c is connected to the primary winding second end tap 370 b. The output winding first end tap 372 a is connected to the first winding first end tap 390 a. The output winding second end tap 372 b is connected to the second output terminal 324 b. The first winding second end tap 390 b is connected to the first output terminal 324 a. The second winding first and second end terminals 392 a and 392 b are connected to the first and second inverter output terminals 352 a and 352 b.

The AC/DC converter 362 formed by the rectifier diodes D1 and D2 and rectifier capacitors C2 and C3 connected across the output terminals 324 a and 324 b such that a DC signal is present at the DC/AC converter 360. The switches formed by the MOSFETS Q1 and Q2 are controlled (e.g., pulse-width modulated) based on the voltage of the output AC power signal or a voltage indicative of or proportional to the output AC power signal to generate the regulated power signal across the inverter output terminals 352 a and 352 b. The regulated power signal is applied across the second windings 392 of the secondary transformer 350 and are thus added to the adjustment AC power signal across the output winding first and second end terminals 372 a and 372 b. The sum of the voltage of the adjustment AC power signal and base AC power signal generated by the primary regulation system 330 (e.g., across the output winding first and second end terminals 372 a and 372 b) is thus controlled to be within a predetermined range centered about a target output AC power signal voltage level.

When configured as an uninterruptible power supply, the standby input terminals 326 a and 326 b of the fourth example power supply system 320 may be connected to the standby power system 364 such that the standby power system 364 is operatively connected to the primary transformer 340. Should the example power system 320 not form a part of an uninterruptible power supply, the second input windings 376 and standby input terminals 326 a and 326 b may be omitted.

The fourth example power supply system 320 thus regulates the voltage of the input AC power signal such that the output AC power signal is within predefined parameters. The fourth example power supply system 320 may be configured to use high efficiency linear transformers as the primary transformer 340 and the secondary transformer 350. The fourth example power supply system 320 thus can be configured to provide a regulated output AC power signal at efficiencies of between 95-98 percent. In the fourth example power supply system 320, the inductor L is external to the secondary transformer 350.

V. Fifth Example Embodiment

FIG. 5 of the drawing illustrates a fifth example power supply system 420 comprising a primary regulation system 430, a secondary regulation system 432, and a controller (not shown). The controller of the fifth example power supply system 420 may be implemented in a manner similar to that of the controller 34 described above and will not be described herein in further detail.

FIG. 5 illustrates that the fifth example power supply system 420 defines input terminals 422 a and 422 b and output terminals 424 a and 424 b. The example power supply system 420 accepts an input AC power signal across the input terminals 422 a and 422 b and supplies an output AC power signal across the output terminals 424 a and 424 b. The fifth example power supply system 420 further comprises optional standby input terminals 426 a and 426 b.

The example primary regulation system 430 comprises a primary transformer 440 and a tap switch array 442. The example primary transformer 440 is a linear transformer. The example secondary regulation system 432 comprises a secondary transformer 450 and a regulating inverter 452. The secondary transformer 450 is a linear transformer arranged in series with the primary transformer 440. The regulating inverter 452 generates an adjustment power signal, and the secondary transformer 450 combines the adjustment power signal with the output of the primary transformer 440 to obtain the output AC power signal. The example regulating inverter 452 comprises a DC/AC converter 460 and an AC/DC converter 462.

The fifth example power supply system 420 may be embodied as or form a part of an uninterruptible power supply. When configured as an uninterruptible power supply, the fifth example power supply system 420 further optionally comprises a standby power system 464 that is operatively connected to the primary transformer 440. The standby power system 464 may comprise one or more of a battery and inverter, a generator, a solar power system, and the like. Should the input AC power signal be absent or outside of a predetermined operating range, the input terminals 422 a and 422 b may be disconnected from the primary transformer 440, and the output power AC signal may be generated based on a standby AC power signal generated by the standby power supply system 464.

The fifth example power supply system 420 thus regulates the voltage of the input AC power signal such that the output AC power signal is within predefined parameters. The fifth example power supply system 420 may be configured to use high efficiency linear transformers as the primary transformer 440 and the secondary transformer 450. The fifth example power supply system 420 thus can be configured to provide a regulated output AC regional power signal at efficiencies of approximately 95-98 percent.

In particular, the primary regulation system 430 is configured to regulate a voltage of the output AC power signal within a first voltage range. The secondary regulation system 432 is configured to regulate the voltage of the output AC power signal within a second voltage range. The second voltage range is smaller than the first voltage range. If the fifth example power supply system 420 is configured to provide power in the context of a broadband communications system, the output AC voltage power signal should not exceed 90 volts. The primary regulation system 430 thus allows the fifth example power supply 420 adapt at a slow rate (e.g., twice a day) to relatively large voltage fluctuations (e.g., ±5 volts). The secondary regulation system 432, on the other hand, allows the fifth example power supply system 420 to regulate the output AC voltage, within certain parameters, to accommodate small voltage fluctuations (e.g., ±2 volts) of the input AC power signal at high frequency or substantially in real time. In the fifth example power supply system 420, the example first voltage range is approximately ±5 volts, and the example second voltage range is approximately ±2 volts. These ranges are provided by way of example only and may vary based on the requirements of a particular power supply environment.

The example primary transformer 440 comprises primary input windings 470, output windings 472, a shunt 474, and, optionally, secondary input windings 476. The primary input windings are arranged on a first side 478 a of the shunt 474, while the output windings 472 and optional secondary input windings 476 are arranged on a second side 478 b of the shunt 474. The example primary input windings 470 define primary input winding first and second end taps 470 a and 470 b and primary input winding first and second intermediate taps 470 c and 470 d. The example output windings 472 define output winding first and second end taps 472 a and 472 b. The example optional secondary windings 476 define secondary winding first and second end taps 476 a and 476 b. If used, the first and second end taps 476 a and 476 b are connected to the standby input terminals 426 a and 426 b.

The example tap switch array 442 comprises a first switch 480, a second switch 482, and a third switch 484. The example switches 480, 482, and 484 are single-pull double-through (SPDT) switches that can be controlled by the controller, operated manually, or both controlled by the controller and operated manually. The first switch 480 defines a first switch main terminal 480 a, a first switch first contact terminal 480 b, and a first switch second contact terminal 480 c. The second switch 482 defines a second switch main terminal 482 a, a second switch first contact terminal 482 b, and a second switch second contact terminal 482 c. The third switch 484 defines a third switch main terminal 484 a, a third switch first contact terminal 484 b, and a third switch second contact terminal 484 c. The example secondary transformer 450 comprises first windings 490 and second windings 492. The example first windings 490 define first winding first and second end taps 490 a and 490 b. The example second windings 492 define second winding first and second end taps 492 a and 492 b.

The example DC/AC converter 460 comprises MOSFETs Q1 and Q2, an inductor L, and an output capacitor C1. In the fifth example power supply 420, the inductor L is internal to the secondary transformer 450. The example AC/DC converter 462 comprises diodes D1 and D2 and rectifier capacitors C2 and C3 configured as a rectifier. The DC/AC converter 460 defines first and second inverter terminals 452 a and 452 b. The example DC/AC converter 460 and the example AC/DC converter 462 operate as a half-bridge rectifier/converter that is or may be conventional and thus will not be described herein in detail. An optional filter capacitor F may be arranged to filter the output of the converter 460; in FIG. 5, the filter capacitor F is connected between the first end terminal 492 a of the second winding 492 of the secondary transformer 450 and the first inverter output terminal 452 a.

The first switch main terminal 480 a is connected to the first primary input terminal 422 a. The first switch first contact terminal 480 b is not connected to any other terminal, allowing the first switch to disconnect the power system from the input. The first switch second contact terminal 480 c is connected to the second switch main terminal 482 a. The second switch first contact terminal 482 b is connected to the primary winding first end tap 470 a. The second switch second contact terminal 482 c is connected to the primary winding first intermediate tap 470 c. The third switch main terminal 484 a is connected to the second primary input terminal 422 b. The third switch first contact terminal 484 b is connected to the primary winding second intermediate tap 470 d. The third switch second contact terminal 484 c is connected to the primary winding second end tap 470 b. The output winding first end tap 472 a is connected to the first winding first end tap 490 a. The output winding second end tap 472 b is connected to the second output terminal 424 b. The first winding second end tap 490 b is connected to the first output terminal 424 a through the inductor L.

The AC/DC converter 462 formed by the rectifier diodes D1 and D2 and rectifier capacitors C2 and C3 are connected across the output terminals 424 a and 424 b such that a DC signal is present at the DC/AC converter 460. The switches formed by the MOSFETS Q1 and Q2 are controlled (e.g., pulse-width modulated) based on the voltage of the output AC power signal or a voltage indicative of or proportional to the output AC power signal to generate the regulated power signal across the inverter output terminals 452 a and 452 b. The regulated power signal is applied across the second windings 492 of the secondary transformer 450 and are thus added to the adjustment AC power signal across the output winding first and second end terminals 472 a and 472 b. The sum of the voltage of the adjustment AC power signal and base AC power signal generated by the primary regulation system 430 (e.g., across the output winding first and second end terminals 472 a and 472 b) is thus controlled to be within a predetermined range centered about a target output AC power signal voltage level.

When configured as an uninterruptible power supply, the standby input terminals 426 a and 426 b of the fifth example power supply system 420 may be connected to the standby power system 464 such that the standby power system 464 is operatively connected to the primary transformer 440. Should the example power system 420 not form a part of an uninterruptible power supply, the second input windings 476 and standby input terminals 426 a and 426 b may be omitted.

The fifth example power supply system 420 thus regulates the voltage of the input AC power signal such that the output AC power signal is within predefined parameters. The fifth example power supply system 420 may be configured to use high efficiency linear transformers as the primary transformer 440 and the secondary transformer 450. The fifth example power supply system 420 thus can be configured to provide a regulated output AC power signal at efficiencies of between 95-98 percent. In the fifth example power supply system 420, the inductor L is integrated into the secondary transformer 450.

VI. Sixth Example Embodiment

FIG. 6 of the drawing illustrates a sixth example power supply system 520 comprising a primary regulation system 530, a secondary regulation system 532, and a controller (not shown). The controller of the sixth example power supply system 520 may be implemented in a manner similar to that of the controller 34 described above and will not be described herein in further detail.

FIG. 6 illustrates that the sixth example power supply system 520 defines input terminals 522 a and 522 b and output terminals 524 a and 524 b. The example power supply system 520 accepts an input AC power signal across the input terminals 522 a and 522 b and supplies an output AC power signal across the output terminals 524 a and 524 b. The sixth example power supply system 520 further comprises optional standby input terminals 526 a and 526 b.

The example primary regulation system 530 comprises a primary transformer 540 and a tap switch array 542. The example primary transformer 540 is a linear transformer. The example secondary regulation system 532 comprises a secondary transformer 550 and a regulating inverter 552. The secondary transformer 550 is a linear transformer arranged in series with the primary transformer 540. The regulating inverter 552 generates an adjustment power signal, and the secondary transformer 550 combines the adjustment power signal with the output of the primary transformer 540 to obtain the output AC power signal. The example regulating inverter 552 comprises a DC/AC converter 560 and an AC/DC converter 562.

The sixth example power supply system 520 may be embodied as or form a part of an uninterruptible power supply. When configured as an uninterruptible power supply, the sixth example power supply system 520 further optionally comprises a standby power system 564 that is operatively connected to the primary transformer 540. The standby power system 564 may comprise one or more of a battery and inverter, a generator, a solar power system, and the like. Should the input AC power signal be absent or outside of a predetermined operating range, the input 522 a and 522 b may be disconnected from the primary transformer 540, and the output power AC signal may be generated based on a standby AC power signal generated by the standby power supply system 564.

The sixth example power supply system 520 thus regulates the voltage of the input AC power signal such that the output AC power signal is within predefined parameters. The sixth example power supply system 520 may be configured to use high efficiency linear transformers as the primary transformer 540 and the secondary transformer 550. The sixth example power supply system 520 thus can be configured to provide a regulated output AC regional power signal at efficiencies of approximately 95-98 percent.

In particular, the primary regulation system 530 is configured to regulate a voltage of the output AC power signal within a first voltage range. The secondary regulation system 532 is configured to regulate the voltage of the output AC power signal within a second voltage range. The second voltage range is smaller than the first voltage range. If the sixth example power supply system 520 is configured to provide power in the context of a broadband communications system, the output AC voltage power signal should not exceed 90 volts. The primary regulation system 530 thus allows the sixth example power supply 520 adapt at a slow rate (e.g., twice a day) to relatively large voltage fluctuations (e.g., ±5 volts). The secondary regulation system 532, on the other hand, allows the sixth example power supply system 520 to regulate the output AC voltage, within certain parameters, to accommodate small voltage fluctuations (e.g., ±2 volts) of the input AC power signal at high frequency or substantially in real time. In the sixth example power supply system 520, the example first voltage range is approximately ±5 volts, and the example second voltage range is approximately ±2 volts. These ranges are provided by way of example only and may vary based on the requirements of a particular power supply environment.

The example primary transformer 540 comprises primary input windings 570, output windings 572, a shunt 574, and, optionally, secondary input windings 576. The primary input windings are arranged on a first side 578 a of the shunt 574, while the output windings 572 and optional secondary input windings 576 are arranged on a second side 578 b of the shunt 574. The example primary input windings 570 define primary input winding first and second end taps 570 a and 570 b and primary input winding first and second intermediate taps 570 c and 570 d. The example output windings 572 define output winding first and second end taps 572 a and 572 b. The example optional secondary windings 576 define secondary winding first and second end taps 576 a and 576 b. If used, the first and second end taps 576 a and 576 b are connected to the standby input terminals 526 a and 526 b.

The example tap switch array 542 comprises a first switch 580, a second switch 582, and a third switch 584. The example switches 580, 582, and 584 are single-pull double-through (SPDT) switches that can be controlled by the controller, operated manually, or both controlled by the controller and operated manually. The first switch 580 defines a first switch main terminal 580 a, a first switch first contact terminal 580 b, and a first switch second contact terminal 580 c. The second switch 582 defines a second switch main terminal 582 a, a second switch first contact terminal 582 b, and a second switch second contact terminal 582 c. The third switch 584 defines a third switch main terminal 584 a, a third switch first contact terminal 584 b, and a third switch second contact terminal 584 c. The example secondary transformer 550 comprises first windings 590 and second windings 592. The example first windings 590 define first winding first and second end taps 590 a and 590 b. The example second windings 592 define second winding first and second end taps 592 a and 592 b and an intermediate tap 592 c.

The example DC/AC converter 560 comprises MOSFETs Q1 and Q2, an inductor L, and an output capacitor C1. In the sixth example power supply 520, the inductor L is external to the secondary transformer 550. The example AC/DC converter 562 comprises diodes D1-D4 configured as a rectifier and a rectifier capacitor C2. The DC/AC converter 560 defines first and second inverter terminals 552 a and 552 b. The example DC/AC converter 560 and the example AC/DC converter 562 operate as a full-bridge rectifier/push-pull converter (switch mode power supply) that is or may be conventional and thus will not be described herein in detail. An optional filter capacitor (not shown) may be arranged to filter the output of the converter 560.

The first switch main terminal 580 a is connected to the first primary input terminal 522 a. The first switch first contact terminal 580 b is not connected to any other terminal, allowing the first switch to disconnect the power system from the input. The first switch second contact terminal 580 c is connected to the second switch main terminal 582 a. The second switch first contact terminal 582 b is connected to the primary winding first end tap 570 a. The second switch second contact terminal 582 c is connected to the primary winding first intermediate tap 570 c. The third switch main terminal 584 a is connected to the second primary input terminal 522 b. The third switch first contact terminal 584 b is connected to the primary winding second intermediate tap 570 d. The third switch second contact terminal 584 c is connected to the primary winding second end tap 570 b. The output winding first end tap 572 a is connected to the first winding first end tap 590 a. The output winding second end tap 572 b is connected to the second output terminal 524 b. The first winding second end tap 590 b is connected to the first output terminal 524 a. The second winding first end tap 592 a is connected to one end of the inverter capacitor C1. The second winding first and second end terminals 592 a and 592 b are connected to the first and second inverter output terminals 552 a and 552 b.

The AC/DC converter 562 formed by the rectifier diodes D1-D4 and rectifier capacitor C2 is connected across the output terminals 524 a and 524 b such that a DC signal is present at the DC/AC converter 560. The switches formed by the MOSFETS Q1 and Q2 are controlled (e.g., pulse-width modulated) based on the voltage of the output AC power signal or a voltage indicative of or proportional to the output AC power signal to generate the regulated power signal across the inverter output terminals 552 a and 552 b. The regulated power signal is applied across the second windings 592 of the secondary transformer 550 and are thus added to the adjustment AC power signal across the output winding first and second end terminals 572 a and 572 b. The sum of the voltage of the adjustment AC power signal and base AC power signal generated by the primary regulation system 530 (e.g., across the output winding first and second end terminals 572 a and 572 b) is thus controlled to be within a predetermined range centered about a target output AC power signal voltage level.

When configured as an uninterruptible power supply, the standby input terminals 526 a and 526 b of the sixth example power supply system 520 may be connected to the standby power system 564 such that the standby power system 564 is operatively connected to the primary transformer 540. Should the example power system 520 not form a part of an uninterruptible power supply, the second input windings 576 and standby input terminals 526 a and 526 b may be omitted.

The sixth example power supply system 520 thus regulates the voltage of the input AC power signal such that the output AC power signal is within predefined parameters. The sixth example power supply system 520 may be configured to use high efficiency linear transformers as the primary transformer 540 and the secondary transformer 550. The sixth example power supply system 520 thus can be configured to provide a regulated output AC power signal at efficiencies of between 95-98 percent. In the sixth example power supply system 520, the inductor L is not integrated into the secondary transformer 550.

VII. Seventh Example Embodiment

FIG. 7 of the drawing illustrates a seventh example power supply system 620 comprising a primary regulation system 630, a secondary regulation system 632, and a controller (not shown). The controller of the seventh example power supply system 620 may be implemented in a manner similar to that of the controller 34 described above and will not be described herein in further detail.

FIG. 7 illustrates that the seventh example power supply system 620 defines input terminals 622 a and 622 b and output terminals 624 a and 624 b. The example power supply system 620 accepts an input AC power signal across the input terminals 622 a and 622 b and supplies an output AC power signal across the output terminals 624 a and 624 b. The seventh example power supply system 620 further comprises optional standby input terminals 626 a and 626 b.

The example primary regulation system 630 comprises a primary transformer 640 and a tap switch array 642. The example primary transformer 640 is a linear transformer. The example secondary regulation system 632 comprises a secondary transformer 650 and a regulating inverter 652. The secondary transformer 650 is a linear transformer arranged in series with the primary transformer 640. The regulating inverter 652 generates an adjustment power signal, and the secondary transformer 650 combines the adjustment power signal with the output of the primary transformer 640 to obtain the output AC power signal. The example regulating inverter 652 comprises a DC/AC converter 660 and an AC/DC converter 662.

The seventh example power supply system 620 may be embodied as or form a part of an uninterruptible power supply. When configured as an uninterruptible power supply, the seventh example power supply system 620 further optionally comprises a standby power system 664 that is operatively connected to the primary transformer 640. The standby power system 664 may comprise one or more of a battery and inverter, a generator, a solar power system, and the like. Should the input AC power signal be absent or outside of a predetermined operating range, the input 622 a and 622 b may be disconnected from the primary transformer 640, and the output power AC signal may be generated based on a standby AC power signal generated by the standby power supply system 620.

The seventh example power supply system 620 thus regulates the voltage of the input AC power signal such that the output AC power signal is within predefined parameters. The seventh example power supply system 620 may be configured to use high efficiency linear transformers as the primary transformer 640 and the secondary transformer 650. The seventh example power supply system 620 thus can be configured to provide a regulated output AC regional power signal at efficiencies of approximately 95-98 percent.

In particular, the primary regulation system 630 is configured to regulate a voltage of the output AC power signal within a first voltage range. The secondary regulation system 632 is configured to regulate the voltage of the output AC power signal within a second voltage range. The second voltage range is smaller than the first voltage range. If the seventh example power supply system 620 is configured to provide power in the context of a broadband communications system, the output AC voltage power signal should not exceed 90 volts. The primary regulation system 630 thus allows the seventh example power supply 620 adapt at a slow rate (e.g., twice a day) to relatively large voltage fluctuations (e.g., ±5 volts). The secondary regulation system 632, on the other hand, allows the seventh example power supply system 620 to regulate the output AC voltage, within certain parameters, to accommodate small voltage fluctuations (e.g., ±2 volts) of the input AC power signal at high frequency or substantially in real time. In the seventh example power supply system 620, the example first voltage range is approximately ±5 volts, and the example second voltage range is approximately ±2 volts. These ranges are provided by way of example only and may vary based on the requirements of a particular power supply environment.

The example primary transformer 640 comprises primary input windings 670, output windings 672, a shunt 674, and, optionally, secondary input windings 676. The primary input windings are arranged on a first side 678 a of the shunt 674, while the output windings 672 and optional secondary input windings 676 are arranged on a second side 678 b of the shunt 674. The example primary input windings 670 define primary input winding first and second end taps 670 a and 670 b and primary input winding first and second intermediate taps 670 c and 670 d. The example output windings 672 define output winding first and second end taps 672 a and 672 b. The example optional secondary windings 676 define secondary winding first and second end taps 676 a and 676 b. If used, the first and second end taps 676 a and 676 b are connected to the standby input terminals 626 a and 626 b.

The example tap switch array 642 comprises a first switch 680, a second switch 682, and a third switch 684. The example switches 680, 682, and 684 are single-pull double-through (SPDT) switches that can be controlled by the controller, operated manually, or both controlled by the controller and operated manually. The first switch 680 defines a first switch main terminal 680 a, a first switch first contact terminal 680 b, and a first switch second contact terminal 680 c. The second switch 682 defines a second switch main terminal 682 a, a second switch first contact terminal 682 b, and a second switch second contact terminal 682 c. The third switch 684 defines a third switch main terminal 684 a, a third switch first contact terminal 684 b, and a third switch second contact terminal 684 c. The example secondary transformer 650 comprises first windings 690 and second windings 692. The example first windings 690 define first winding first and second end taps 690 a and 690 b. The example second windings 692 define second winding first and second end taps 692 a and 692 b and an intermediate tap 692 c.

The example DC/AC converter 660 comprises MOSFETs Q1 and Q2, an inductor L, and an output capacitor C1. In the seventh example power supply 620, the inductor L is internal to the secondary transformer 650. The example AC/DC converter 662 comprises diodes D1-D4 configured as a rectifier and a rectifier capacitor C2. The DC/AC converter 660 defines first and second inverter terminals 652 a and 652 b. The example DC/AC converter 660 and the example AC/DC converter 662 operate as a full-bridge rectifier/push-pull converter that is or may be conventional and thus will not be described herein in detail. An optional filter capacitor (not shown) may be arranged to filter the output of the converter 660.

The first switch main terminal 680 a is connected to the first primary input terminal 622 a. The first switch first contact terminal 680 b is not connected to any other terminal, allowing the first switch to disconnect the power system from the input. The first switch second contact terminal 680 c is connected to the second switch main terminal 682 a. The second switch first contact terminal 682 b is connected to the primary winding first end tap 670 a. The second switch second contact terminal 682 c is connected to the primary winding first intermediate tap 670 c. The third switch main terminal 684 a is connected to the second primary input terminal 622 b. The third switch first contact terminal 684 b is connected to the primary winding second intermediate tap 670 d. The third switch second contact terminal 684 c is connected to the primary winding second end tap 670 b. The output winding first end tap 672 a is connected to the first winding first end tap 690 a. The output winding second end tap 672 b is connected to the second output terminal 624 b. The first winding second end tap 690 b is connected to the first output terminal 624 a. The second winding first end tap 692 a is connected to one end of the inverter capacitor C1. The second winding first and second end terminals 692 a and 692 b are connected to the first and second inverter output terminals 652 a and 652 b.

The AC/DC converter 662 formed by the rectifier diodes D1-D4 and rectifier capacitor C2 is connected across the output terminals 624 a and 624 b such that a DC signal is present at the DC/AC converter 660. The switches formed by the MOSFETS Q1 and Q2 are controlled (e.g., pulse-width modulated) based on the voltage of the output AC power signal or a voltage indicative of or proportional to the output AC power signal to generate the regulated power signal across the inverter output terminals 652 a and 652 b. The regulated power signal is applied across the second windings 692 of the secondary transformer 650 and are thus added to the adjustment AC power signal across the output winding first and second end terminals 672 a and 672 b. The sum of the voltage of the adjustment AC power signal and base AC power signal generated by the primary regulation system 620 (e.g., across the output winding first and second end terminals 672 a and 672 b) is thus controlled to be within a predetermined range centered about a target output AC power signal voltage level.

When configured as an uninterruptible power supply, the standby input terminals 626 a and 626 b of the seventh example power supply system 620 may be connected to the standby power system 664 such that the standby power system 664 is operatively connected to the primary transformer 640. Should the example power system 620 not form a part of an uninterruptible power supply, the second input windings 676 and standby input terminals 626 a and 626 b may be omitted.

The seventh example power supply system 620 thus regulates the voltage of the input AC power signal such that the output AC power signal is within predefined parameters. The seventh example power supply system 620 may be configured to use high efficiency linear transformers as the primary transformer 640 and the secondary transformer 650. The seventh example power supply system 620 thus can be configured to provide a regulated output AC power signal at efficiencies of between 95-98 percent. In the seventh example power supply system 620, the inductor L is integrated into the secondary transformer 650.

VIII. Eighth Example Embodiment

FIG. 8 of the drawing illustrates a eighth example power supply system 720 comprising a primary regulation system 730, a secondary regulation system 732, and a controller (not shown). The controller of the eighth example power supply system 720 may be implemented in a manner similar to that of the controller 34 described above and will not be described herein in further detail.

FIG. 8 illustrates that the eighth example power supply system 720 defines input terminals 722 a and 722 b and output terminals 724 a and 724 b. The example power supply system 720 accepts an input AC power signal across the input terminals 722 a and 722 b and supplies an output AC power signal across the output terminals 724 a and 724 b. The eighth example power supply system 720 further comprises optional standby input terminals 726 a and 726 b.

The example primary regulation system 730 comprises a primary transformer 740 and a primary tap switch array 742. The example primary transformer 740 is a linear transformer. The example secondary regulation system 732 comprises a secondary transformer 750 and a secondary tap switch array 752. The secondary transformer 750 is a linear transformer arranged in series with the primary transformer 740. The secondary tap switch array 752 applies an adjustment power signal to the secondary transformer 750, and the secondary transformer 750 combines the adjustment power signal with the output of the primary transformer 740 to obtain the output AC power signal. The example secondary tap switch array 752 comprises a first secondary switch 760 and a second secondary switch 762. Limited regulation may be accomplished by a secondary tap switch array comprising a single secondary switch, and a secondary tap switch array comprising more than two switches (e.g., 3 or more) will provide finer regulation of the output AC power signal.

The eighth example power supply system 720 may be embodied as or form a part of an uninterruptible power supply. When configured as an uninterruptible power supply, the eighth example power supply system 720 further optionally comprises a standby power system 764 that is operatively connected to the primary transformer 740. The standby power system 764 may comprise one or more of a battery and inverter, a generator, a solar power system, and the like. Should the input AC power signal be absent or outside of a predetermined operating range, the input 722 a and 722 b may be disconnected from the primary transformer 740, and the output power AC signal may be generated based on a standby AC power signal generated by the standby power supply system 764.

The eighth example power supply system 720 thus regulates the voltage of the input AC power signal such that the output AC power signal is within predefined parameters. The eighth example power supply system 720 may be configured to use high efficiency linear transformers as the primary transformer 740 and the secondary transformer 750. The eighth example power supply system 720 thus can be configured to provide a regulated output AC regional power signal at efficiencies of approximately 95-98 percent.

In particular, the primary regulation system 730 is configured to regulate a voltage of the output AC power signal within a first voltage range. The secondary regulation system 732 is configured to regulate the voltage of the output AC power signal within a second voltage range. The second voltage range is smaller than the first voltage range. If the eighth example power supply system 720 is configured to provide power in the context of a broadband communications system, the output AC voltage power signal should not exceed 90 volts. The primary regulation system 730 thus allows the eighth example power supply 720 adapt at a slow rate (e.g., twice a day) to relatively large voltage fluctuations (e.g., ±5 volts). The secondary regulation system 732, on the other hand, allows the eighth example power supply system 720 to regulate the output AC voltage, within certain parameters, to accommodate small voltage fluctuations (e.g., ±2 volts) of the input AC power signal at high frequency or substantially in real time. In the eighth example power supply system 720, the example first voltage range is approximately ±5 volts, and the example second voltage range is approximately ±2 volts. These ranges are provided by way of example only and may vary based on the requirements of a particular power supply environment.

The example primary transformer 740 comprises primary input windings 770, output windings 772, a shunt 774, and, optionally, secondary input windings 776. The primary input windings are arranged on a first side 778 a of the shunt 774, while the output windings 772 and optional secondary input windings 776 are arranged on a second side 778 b of the shunt 774. The example primary input windings 770 define primary input winding first and second end taps 770 a and 770 b and primary input winding first and second intermediate taps 770 c and 770 d. The example output windings 772 define output winding first and second end taps 772 a and 772 b. The example optional secondary windings 776 define secondary winding first and second end taps 776 a and 776 b. If used, the first and second end taps 776 a and 776 b are connected to the standby input terminals 726 a and 726 b.

The example primary tap switch array 742 comprises a first primary switch 780, a second primary switch 782, and a third primary switch 784. The example primary switches 780, 782, and 784 are single-pull double-through (SPDT) switches that can be controlled by the controller, operated manually, or both controlled by the controller and operated manually. The first primary switch 780 defines a first primary switch main terminal 780 a, a first primary switch first contact terminal 780 b, and a first primary switch second contact terminal 780 c. The second primary switch 782 defines a second primary switch main terminal 782 a, a second primary switch first contact terminal 782 b, and a second primary switch second contact terminal 782 c. The third primary switch 784 defines a third primary switch main terminal 784 a, a third primary switch first contact terminal 784 b, and a third primary switch second contact terminal 784 c. The example secondary transformer 750 comprises first windings 790 and second windings 792. The example first windings 790 define first winding first and second end taps 790 a and 790 b. The example second windings 792 define second winding first and second end taps 792 a and 792 b and second winding first and second intermediate taps 792 c and 792 d.

The example first and second secondary switches 760 and 762 of the example secondary tap switch array 752 are single-pull double-through (SPDT) switches that can be controlled by the controller, operated manually, or both controlled by the controller and operated manually. The first secondary switch 760 defines a first secondary switch main terminal 760 a, a first secondary switch first contact terminal 760 b, and a first secondary switch second contact terminal 760 c. The second secondary switch 762 defines a second secondary switch main terminal 762 a, a second secondary switch first contact terminal 762 b, and a second secondary switch second contact terminal 762 c. An optional filter capacitor (not shown) may be arranged to filter the output of the converter 760.

The first primary switch main terminal 780 a is connected to the first primary input terminal 722 a. The first primary switch first contact terminal 780 b is not connected to any other terminal, allowing the first switch to disconnect the power system from the input. The first primary switch second contact terminal 780 c is connected to the second primary switch main terminal 782 a. The second primary switch first contact terminal 782 b is connected to the primary winding first end tap 770 a. The second primary switch second contact terminal 782 c is connected to the primary winding first intermediate tap 770 c. The third primary switch main terminal 784 a is connected to the second primary input terminal 722 b. The third primary switch first contact terminal 784 b is connected to the primary winding second intermediate tap 770 d. The third primary switch second contact terminal 784 c is connected to the primary winding second end tap 770 b. The output winding first end tap 772 a is connected to the first winding first end tap 790 a. The output winding second end tap 772 b is connected to the second output terminal 724 b.

The first winding first end tap 790 a of the secondary transformer 750 is connected to the output windings first end tap 772 a of the primary transformer 740. The first winding second end tap 790 b is connected to the first output terminal 724 a. The second winding first end tap 792 a of the secondary transformer 750 is connected to the first contact terminal 760 a of the first secondary switch 760. The second winding second end tap 792 b of the secondary transformer 750 is connected to the second contact terminal 762 b of the second secondary switch 762. The second winding first intermediate tap 792 c of the secondary transformer 750 is connected to the second contact terminal 760 c of the first secondary switch 760. The second winding second intermediate tap 792 d of the secondary transformer 750 is connected to the first contact terminal 762 a of the second secondary switch 762. The first secondary switch main terminal 760 a is connected to the second output terminal 724 b, and the second secondary switch main terminal 762 a is connected to the first output terminal 724 a.

The first and second secondary switches 760 and 762 may be operated to connect the output AC power signal present across the output terminals 724 a and 724 b across a portion of the second winding 792 to define an adjustment AC power signal that is added to the output of the primary regulation system 730 to obtain the output AC power signal.

The regulated power signal is applied across the second windings 792 of the secondary transformer 750 and are thus added to the adjustment AC power signal across the output winding first and second end terminals 772 a and 772 b. The sum of the voltage of the adjustment AC power signal and base AC power signal generated by the primary regulation system 720 (e.g., across the output winding first and second end terminals 772 a and 772 b) is thus controlled to be within a predetermined range centered about a target output AC power signal voltage level.

As generally discussed above, a secondary tap switch array comprising fewer (e.g., one) secondary switches would allow less granular regulation of the output AC power signal than the eighth example power supply 720 described herein, and a secondary tap switch array comprising more (e.g., three or more) secondary switches would allow more granular regulation of the output AC power signal than the eighth example power supply 720.

When configured as an uninterruptible power supply, the standby input terminals 726 a and 726 b of the eighth example power supply system 720 may be connected to the standby power system 764 such that the standby power system 764 is operatively connected to the primary transformer 740. Should the example power system 720 not form a part of an uninterruptible power supply, the second input windings 776 and standby input terminals 726 a and 726 b may be omitted.

The eighth example power supply system 720 thus regulates the voltage of the input AC power signal such that the output AC power signal is within predefined parameters. The eighth example power supply system 720 may be configured to use high efficiency linear transformers as the primary transformer 740 and the secondary transformer 750. The eighth example power supply system 720 thus can be configured to provide a regulated output AC power signal at efficiencies of between 95-98 percent. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A power supply system for generating an output power signal comprising: a primary regulation system comprising a primary transformer and a primary tap switch array configured to regulate a base power signal from the primary transformer such that the output power signal is regulated within a first voltage range; a secondary regulation system comprising a secondary transformer; and a controller configured to apply an adjustment power signal to the secondary transformer to regulate the output power signal within a second voltage range; wherein the second voltage range is smaller than the first voltage range.
 2. A power supply system as recited in claim 1, in which: the secondary regulation system further comprises an adjustment power signal generator; and the controller is configured to control the adjustment power signal generator to generate the adjustment power signal.
 3. A power supply system as recited in claim 1, in which the secondary regulation system comprises an AC/DC converter and a DC/AC converter.
 4. A power supply system as recited in claim 3, in which the DC/AC converter comprises an inductor that is external to the secondary transformer.
 5. A power supply system as recited in claim 3, in which the DC/AC converter comprises an inductor that is integrated with the secondary transformer.
 6. A power supply system as recited in claim 1, in which the secondary regulation system comprises a full-bridge rectifier and a DC/AC converter.
 7. A power supply system as recited in claim 6, in which the DC/AC converter comprises an inductor that is external to the secondary transformer.
 8. A power supply system as recited in claim 6, in which the DC/AC converter comprises an inductor that is integrated with the secondary transformer.
 9. A power supply system as recited in claim 1, in which the secondary regulation system comprises a half-bridge rectifier and a DC/AC converter.
 10. A power supply system as recited in claim 9, in which the DC/AC converter comprises an inductor that is external to the secondary transformer.
 11. A power supply system as recited in claim 9, in which the DC/AC converter comprises an inductor that is integrated with the secondary transformer.
 12. A power supply system as recited in claim 1, in which the secondary regulation system comprises a full bridge rectifier and a push-pull DC/AC converter.
 13. A power supply system as recited in claim 12, in which the push-pull DC/AC converter comprises an inductor that is external to the secondary transformer.
 14. A power supply system as recited in claim 12, in which the push-pull DC/AC converter comprises an inductor that is integrated with the secondary transformer.
 15. A power supply system as recited in claim 1, in which the secondary regulation system comprises: a plurality of taps formed by the secondary transformer; and a secondary tap switch array that selectively connects an output of the power supply system across a pair of the plurality of taps.
 16. A method of generating an output power signal comprising: providing a primary regulation system comprising a primary transformer and a primary tap switch array; configuring the primary regulation system to regulate a base power signal from the primary transformer such that the output power signal is regulated within a first voltage range; providing a secondary regulation system comprising a secondary transformer; applying an adjustment power signal to the secondary transformer to regulate the output power signal within a second voltage range, where the second voltage range is smaller than the first voltage range.
 17. A power supply system as recited in claim 16, in which: the step of providing the secondary regulation system further comprises the step of providing an adjustment power signal generator; and the step of applying the adjustment power signal to the secondary transformer comprises the step of controlling the adjustment power signal generator to generate the adjustment power signal.
 18. A method as recited in claim 16, in which the step of providing the secondary regulation system comprises the step of providing an inductor external to the secondary transformer.
 19. A method as recited in claim 16, in which the step of providing the secondary regulation system comprises the step of providing an inductor internal to the secondary transformer.
 20. method as recited in claim 16, in which the step of providing the secondary regulation system comprises the steps of: defining a plurality of taps associated with the secondary transformer; and selectively connecting an output of the power supply system across a pair of the plurality of taps. 